Scripps Health Linear Accelerator & TrueBeam LINAC Upgrade
Scripps Health Linear Accelerator & TrueBeam LINAC Upgrade | San Diego, California
In collaboration with FreemanWhite (now Haskell), DPR completed the addition of the fourth Linear Accelerator Vault and associated control room (188 square feet) for Scripps Health in San Diego, California. The work included the demolition of the existing office space area, demolition of the existing slab-on-grade to provide new structural support, and below-slab conduit runs for the Varian Linear Accelerator. Other scopes included installation of high-density concrete block and associated supports for the shielding system, plumbing for new handwashing sink, lighting, and medical equipment supports in the ceiling, specialty supports for vendor-provided equipment, and casework for storage and work requirements in procedure room and control.
Scripps Health has been working with DPR on a complex Linear Accelerator addition and upgrade to a current Linear Accelerator in our Cancer Center in Torrey Pines. This is a project that requires extraordinary coordination and exacting adherence to infection control procedures since the work is being performed in an active cancer center during normal working hours.
DPR’s attention to detail and demonstrated concern, and practice, for patient safety has allowed this project to proceed with no interruptions to patient care.”
Tim Jacoby
Corporate Vice President of Construction & Facilities | Scripps Health
LINAC-specific
Challenges & Solutions
One of the project’s biggest challenges was getting all of the new high-density blocks and steel beams into the work area and installing them. These activities were performed at night. Thirty-foot beams were brought through the front entrance, down the hall, and hoisted into place. Pallets of the block were also brought through the clinic and hoisted into place.
LINAC-specific
Challenges & Solutions
One of the project’s biggest challenges was getting all of the new high-density blocks and steel beams into the work area and installing them. These activities were performed at night. Thirty-foot beams were brought through the front entrance, down the hall, and hoisted into place. Pallets of the block were also brought through the clinic and hoisted into place.
Project
Innovations
Once the job was awarded, the DPR team provided design-assist services for the uncoordinated vendors, including the LINAC, Brain Lab, and shielding. During demolition and concrete work, the vendors provided revised drawings, which altered a significant amount of overhead and underground scope. DPR worked closely with the client to identify discrepancies between the new vendor drawings and the permitted construction documents to develop a schedule and cost mitigation plan for the client.
DPR also organized a site walk with Scripps Health to verify ICRA boundary lines and layout for infection control measures. Subsequently, an ICRA form was completed, encompassing diagrams of the barrier layout. This comprised a drywall barrier with a temporary wood door, coroplast barriers, a manometer for continuous monitoring, and assurance of maintaining negative pressure 24/7 during active containment.
Patient-Centric Amenities
Cutting-Edge Linear Accelerator
DPR installed a Varian Edge Linear Accelerator for stereotactic radiosurgery (or SRS), which involves the treatment of tumors in the head, neck, and brain.
Custom Casework
Purpose-built storage and workspaces in the procedure room and control area streamline workflows.
Optimal Lighting
Lighting and medical equipment supports are in the ceiling for safety and precision during radiation therapy.
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